Duffy to sit as independent in Senate

Here's the full statement released by Senator Mike Duffy Thursday night after resigning from the Conservative caucus to sit as an independent:

"It is clear the public controversy surrounding me and the repayment of my Senate expenses has become a significant distraction to my caucus colleagues, and to the government.  Given that my presence within the Conservative caucus only contributes to that distraction, I have decided to step outside of the caucus and sit as an independent Senator pending resolution of these questions.

"Throughout this entire situation I have sought only to do the right thing. I look forward to all relevant facts being made clear in due course, at which point I am hopeful I will be able to rejoin the Conservative caucus.

"This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and we are going to take some time away from the public. I ask the media to respect our privacy while these questions are resolved through the appropriate processes."

►Read the Deloitte audit of Duffy's residency status and last week's follow-up report by a Senate committee.

-Andrew Thomson